Gators to hold open spring practices

Somewhere in the middle of the seven game losing streak that ended Florida’s 2013 season something set in with fans that hasn’t been seen in Gainesville for decades; apathy.

With a new season just around the corner (Florida will begin spring practice on March 19) the university has decided to go with the easiest and most cost efficient PR that they could; opening spring practices to fans. In total, there are eight practices that will be open to the general public, nine if you include the Orange and Blue Debut, which based on some depth concerns looks like it will be more of a practice (similar to last year) than a normal spring game.

The release from the University also mentioned a potential ninth practice that would be open to season ticket holders exclusively. This practice may be held in the fall as opposed to the spring and is still an idea the university is kicking around.

Florida will be installing a brand new offense with fourth-year quarterback Jeff Driskel returning from a season-ending injury in 2013. This will also be the first opportunity for fans to see the nine mid-year enrollees that Florida added in the 2014 recruiting cycle.

Opening practices is a good way to drum up support for a team that disappointed the previous season. It gives fans a chance to come out and see what the players they cheer for on Saturdays go through on a day-to-day basis. Creating a closer relationship between the players and the fans can lead to more support during the season.

About Nick de la Torre

A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC

Somewhere in the middle of the seven game losing streak that ended Florida’s 2013 season something set in with fans that hasn’t been seen in Gainesville for decades; apathy.

With a new season just around the corner (Florida will begin spring practice on March 19) the university has decided to go with the easiest and most cost efficient PR that they could; opening spring practices to fans. In total, there are eight practices that will be open to the general public, nine if you include the Orange and Blue Debut, which based on some depth concerns looks like it will be more of a practice (similar to last year) than a normal spring game.

The release from the University also mentioned a potential ninth practice that would be open to season ticket holders exclusively. This practice may be held in the fall as opposed to the spring and is still an idea the university is kicking around.

Florida will be installing a brand new offense with fourth-year quarterback Jeff Driskel returning from a season-ending injury in 2013. This will also be the first opportunity for fans to see the nine mid-year enrollees that Florida added in the 2014 recruiting cycle.

Opening practices is a good way to drum up support for a team that disappointed the previous season. It gives fans a chance to come out and see what the players they cheer for on Saturdays go through on a day-to-day basis. Creating a closer relationship between the players and the fans can lead to more support during the season.

*Open Practice Dates*

Wednesday, March 19

Friday, March 21

Saturday, March 22

Monday, March 24

Wednesday, March 26

Monday, March 31

Wednesday, April 2

Friday, April 11

Saturday, April 12 (Orange and Blue Debut)

(All time are TBA)

Nick de la TorreNickde la Torrenick@gatorcountry.comAuthorA South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGCGatorCountry.com